NASM Chronic Health Conditions and Special Populations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which breathing technique should a personal trainer discourage in a client with hypertension during resistance training?
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Exhaling during the exertion phase
- The Valsalva maneuver (Correct answer)
- Pursed-lip breathing
Correct answer: The Valsalva maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver (holding the breath while straining) sharply raises blood pressure and intrathoracic pressure. Clients with hypertension should exhale during exertion and avoid breath-holding.
Question 2: A client with type 2 diabetes who takes insulin is about to start a training session. What is the most important precaution?
- Have the client train fasted to improve insulin sensitivity
- Monitor blood glucose and have a fast-acting carbohydrate source available (Correct answer)
- Limit the session to flexibility exercises only
- Keep the client's heart rate above 90% of maximum
Correct answer: Monitor blood glucose and have a fast-acting carbohydrate source available
Exercise lowers blood glucose, and insulin increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Trainers should have the client check glucose levels and keep fast-acting carbohydrates on hand.
Question 3: Which type of exercise should be limited or avoided for a client with osteoporosis?
- Weight-bearing walking
- Light resistance training with proper posture
- Balance training
- Loaded spinal flexion and twisting movements (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Loaded spinal flexion and twisting movements
Loaded spinal flexion and rotation put compressive and shear stress on weakened vertebrae and raise fracture risk. Weight-bearing activity, resistance training and balance work are encouraged.
Question 4: What is the recommended starting approach for a previously sedentary client who is obese?
- Low-impact, low-intensity exercise that gradually increases in duration (Correct answer)
- High-intensity interval training to maximize calorie burn
- Heavy plyometric training to build power
- Maximal-effort strength testing in the first session
Correct answer: Low-impact, low-intensity exercise that gradually increases in duration
Obese, deconditioned clients should begin with low-impact, low-intensity activity such as walking or cycling and progress gradually. This reduces joint stress and injury risk and builds adherence.
Question 5: After the first trimester, which exercise position should a pregnant client generally avoid for prolonged periods?
- Standing
- Seated
- Side-lying
- Supine (lying on the back) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Supine (lying on the back)
In the supine position, the enlarged uterus can compress the inferior vena cava. This reduces venous return and can cause dizziness or reduced blood flow to the fetus.
Question 6: Which training emphasis is most important for an older adult client to reduce fall risk and counter sarcopenia?
- Balance training combined with resistance training (Correct answer)
- Long-duration steady-state cardio only
- Maximal-speed sprint training
- Static stretching only
Correct answer: Balance training combined with resistance training
Resistance training counters age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and preserves strength. Balance training improves stability and reduces falls, the leading cause of injury in older adults.
